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Troy Tulowitzki, running off the field June 9, took batting practice Thursday for the first time since suffering his rib injury June 13. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

The super power hasn't returned to Troy Tulowitzki's swing — not quite yet — but there was a spring in his step and a smile on his face after the Rockies shortstop took batting practice Thursday afternoon at Coors Field.

Tulowitzki is so encouraged by the healing process of his broken right rib that he has not ruled out returning to the Colorado lineup before the all-star break. If that were the case, Tulowitzki would likely be able to play for the National League in the All-Star Game on July 16 in New York. Tulowitzki is the leading vote-getter at shortstop, with more than 4 million votes from the fans.

"It's a possibility. But my main focus right now is getting back for the Rockies," he said. "I'm not downplaying the All-Star Game, and I would love to participate in it. If the time is right and it fits in my schedule, I would love to play. If I win the fan vote, but couldn't play, I probably would attend."

Tulowitzki took live batting practice for the first time Thursday since he broke a rib diving for a groundball against the Nationals on June 13. Although he swung relatively lightly Thursday, he still managed to hit three balls into the left-field bleachers. So he has some power.

The Rockies have 10 games before the all-star break, all of them on the road. Tulowitzki will be with the team in Arizona to begin the trip Friday. When Tulowitzki gets the all-clear sign, he likely would make a couple of minor-league rehab starts to get tuned up.

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Rockies manager Walt Weiss, whose team entered Thursday night's game with a 6-12 record without Tulo in the lineup, is hopeful.

"I'm all for that, if he's good to go before the break," Weiss said. "We're not going to hold our breath to that, but if that were the case, that would be great."

Tulowitzki said he feels no pain when he's fielding or throwing and only slight discomfort swinging a bat. "It just feels like a bruise, but it's not too bad," he said.

Though optimistic about rejoining the Rockies soon, Tulowitzki said he can't predict exactly how long he will remain sidelined.

"I don't know, because every day is a little bit different," he said. "In five days I might feel great. But really, getting back has nothing to do with the All-Star Game, it has everything to do with getting back for the team."

Talking about Puig. Tulowitzki calls Dodgers rookie phenom Yasiel Puig "a great player," but he doesn't believe Puig should be in the All-Star Game.

"I just feel you have to put a little more time in," Tulowitzki said. "I'm sure if this keeps up, he's going to have many all-star appearances and many accolades come his way. He's a great player, but I just don't think this year. But if you're talking about my ballot, I voted for other outfielders."

"His numbers speak for themselves and I think his streak is really going to help him too," Tulowitzki said. "He's definitely deserving. He's one of the most underrated players in the game, there is no doubt about that."

LOOKING AHEAD COLORADO AT ARIZONA

Recent questions about Jorge De La Rosa have nothing to do with his rebuilt left elbow or his composure on the mound. Rather, it's his left hand — specifically his bruised thumb — that prompts concern every time he pitches. "It's popped up here a few times in a row," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Thursday. "So we'll keep an eye on it. It's funny, because between starts it seems to be fine, then once he starts warming up in the bullpen is when he starts to feel it again. We're going inning to inning with him during the game." Despite the discomfort, De La Rosa leads the Rockies with 11 quality starts and has looked like the pitcher who won 16 games in 2009. Friday marks De La Rosa's fourth start this season against Arizona. He's 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA in those games. For his career (20 games, including 16 starts), he's 8-4 with a 2.25 ERA against the Diamondbacks. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post

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